The pleated skirt has been a long-time hero when it comes to a capsule wardrobe, but sometimes it can feel a bit old-fashioned. Frumpy, even. However, when Anne Hathaway wore one as she graced the streets of New York City, playing her character Andy Sachs for The Devil Wears Prada 2, she looked effortlessly chic.
To look simple but stylish is a skill. And if you want your outfits to say 'oh, I just threw this on', while looking expertly dressed, it's all in the styling. What makes Anne's pleated skirt combination look so cool is everything else that she is wearing with it. And the wardrobe department for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has really excelled themselves, giving us all the inspiration for summer outfits for work.
The skirt in question is the Sacai pleated wrap front, woven midi skirt in an autumnal khaki hue. The sheen to the fabric looks sleek, and the large pockets on each side give a nod to utilitarianism, one of the spring/summer fashion trends 2025. If you want to make your pleated skirt feel more modern, these are the key takeaways from Anne Hathaway's or should that be Andy Sachs' look.
ANNE HATHAWAY'S FRESH TAKE ON THE PLEATED SKIRT
The main styling choice that stands out here is the oversized white shirt. The casually rolled-up sleeves and unbuttoned collar make the crisp white shirt feel relaxed, and the unexpected pairing of this with the silky skirt forms a fashion-forward combination. A shirt like this, whether you choose cotton or a linen shirt, will help to create a plethora of smart casual outfit ideas.
Layering some jewellery with the open collar is a great way to accessorise and elevate the shirt further. Anne's duo of pearls and a toggle pendant necklace sit beautifully together.
You'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of footwear options that will go hand in hand with the pleated skirt too. Anne opted for a pair of Gabriela Hearst heels, but a pair of ballet flats or even a good old white trainer would also do the trick. Base your decision on how many steps you plan to do that day.
Get the look
Anne's khaki skirt sold fast, but it is still available in beige at Selfridges. The buckled waistband gives it a bit of an edge, and the neutral colour makes it easy to pair with anything. Either keep it tonal with similar shades or add a pop of red to stand out from the crowd. You can wear this skirt right into autumn too.
Pleated skirts come in all shapes and sizes, this midi one is a similar length to the one we've admired on Anne Hathaway, but the pleats are larger. This tends to create a little more structure but will still boast the feminine silhouette of the classic style. This Amazon find comes in a few different colours too.
You can't go wrong with a relaxed white shirt. It will be something you reach for in your wardrobe time and time again, because it is the perfect staple item that goes with everything. This ASOS Design shirt features a pocket on the chest and is super versatile.
Pearls are iconic, a classic jewellery choice. The gold clasp detail on this necklace breaks up the pearl design nicely and gives it a modern touch. Don't save your pearls for special occasions, they work fantastically with something as casual as a white shirt and jeans - another unexpected pairing.
Would it be a round-up related to The Devil Wears Prada 2 if we didn't include some oversized sunnies? These RayBans would have the Miranda Priestly seal of approval. The polished black frame and butterfly shape are so chic, a classic.
An exact match to Anne's pair, these woven pumps from Gabriela Hearst are created with a gorgeous green leather and feature a metallic kitten heel. Available in green, black, off-white and chocolate, there's a colour for everyone. You'll walk like you're at 'Runway Magazine' wearing these.
Don't forget that trends work best when we tweak them to suit our shapes and style. If you feel like your figure is getting lost under an oversized top and pleats, try it another way. Opting for something less boxy than the cropped oversized shirt that Anne was rocking, or even choosing to tie it at the front or tuck it in, will help to accentuate your waist and balance out proportions.
